Chris Kennedy was born and raised in Moline, Illinois, a small town located on the Mississippi River. His career in radio began in an unexpected way, while he was working at a video rental store in the 80s. During this time, a local disc jockey recognized Chris's potential and encouraged him to pursue a career in radio. He listened and while in college for broadcasting, Chris got a part-time job working overnight at the very radio station he had listened to as a kid while getting ready for school! Nearly four decades later, he still works in radio doing his ultimate dream job, albeit with better hours.
For Chris, radio is not just a profession, it's a platform to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of those around him. Chris has organized numerous radiothons, participated in marathons to fund childhood cancer research, and even completed a 465-mile run, helping raise over $1 million.
Personally, Chris has 3 adult children. He lives in Springfield, Missouri with his "Mighty Chihuahua.” He enjoys exploring the food scene in Springfield, having discovered some amazing restaurants that the area has to offer. Though Chris is most comfortable behind a microphone, you'll often find him with a camera capturing the beauty around him.
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Kevin has been part of Zimmer Communications since 2008 and has 5 decades of experience in radio, mostly on morning shows. A native New Jerseyan, he grew up listening to the great Philadelphia radio “boss jocks” of the ’60s and ’70s. Hilley has known what he wanted to do since he was 10 years old. As a freshman at Houghton College in 1977, he discovered the campus radio station, and his destiny was set! He went on to his first paying gig in radio at a tiny AM station in Upstate New York in 1980. The rest is, as they say, history. Admired for his outlook on life and enthusiasm for community, he loves the ability to be actively involved in mid-Missouri and to stay in the know about what’s happening around the area.
Hilley loves the opportunity to give his spin on current events and find the funny parts of daily life. An enthusiastic voice in mid-Missouri for more than 20 years, he knows how many people count on him to help them start their day, and is especially proud of his ability to make people smile. Kevin is married with 3 adult kids and 3 grandchildren, who are, he says, a source of daily joy for him. He is admittedly a sci-fi fan and a Star Trek nerd...and he bleeds Philadelphia Eagles green!
Erin Hart is living her dream, reunited with her Hilley and Hart co-host, Kevin Hilley, and delivering a fun and fast-paced morning show every weekday morning! She is a proud Callaway County native, having been raised in Holts Summit, MO, and is a graduate of Jefferson City High School.
Erin has been the voice of mornings on 94.3 KAT Country since July 2008. Having been awarded a Missouri Broadcasters Award for Hilley and Hart in 2009, many MBA nominations, a 2021 & 2024 ACM nomination for On-Air Personality of the Year for Hilley & Hart and Station of the Year for 94.3 KAT Country, a 2022 Marconi Radio Award Nominee for Small Market Personality of the Year and Country Station of the Year. She was awarded the Gracie for Small Market Co-host by the Alliance for Women in Media in 2023, received a Marconi Award for Small Market Personality of the Year from the National Association of Broadcasters for Hilley & Hart in 2023, and most recently a CMA nominee for Small Market Personality of the Year for Hilley & Hart in 2024.
Erin is a well-established and recognized personality and local influencer in the mid-Missouri area. She has won Jefferson City Magazine's award for Best Radio Personality for 2020-2024, was a Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce Exceptional Employee 2020 finalist, was awarded the 2021 Missouri River Regional Library Ambassador of the Year, and Sam B. Cook Award winner in 2022.
She donates her time emceeing numerous events throughout mid-Missouri for many charities and serves on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Board.
When Erin is not on the air, she loves to curl up with a good book. She is also a total movie junkie, loves to travel, and spends time outdoors with her husband, Rich, and dogs, Gemma & Magnus.
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